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Chicago Mayor Seeks Police Misconduct Oversight
Updated: May 4th, 2007 10:45 AM EDT
By DEANNA BELLANDI
Associated Press Writer
CHICAGO --
After several public embarrassments, including the videotaped beating of a woman bartender, allegedly by an off-duty Chicago police officer, Chicago's mayor suggested Thursday that the agency that reviews police misconduct allegations should report directly to him.
The agency now reports to the police superintendent. The mayor's proposal, which will be introduced at next week's City Council meeting, comes as the city tries to quash a perception that rogue officers are not held accountable.
"We must assure every Chicagoan that we are doing everything possible to prevent abuse by police," Mayor Richard M. Daley said.
In addition to the bar beating, four businessmen also say they were beaten by six off-duty officers.
At a news conference a month ago, a police watchdog group and several attorneys said the police department has done little to stop abuse by officers. The group wanted an independent review agency to investigate allegations of misconduct.
Police Superintendent Phil Cline recently announced he will step down once his replacement is found.
Under Daley's plan, the Office of Professional Standards would become a separate city department with subpoena power.
"I am grateful that we have come to the realization that the superintendent of the department is not the end-all-be-all, and that there has to be an authority above him in order that the needs of the citizens of the city of Chicago might be met," said the Rev. Albert Tyson, one of a number of local religious leaders who appeared with Daley at a news conference.
The head of the Chicago police union did not immediately return a call for comment.
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